Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

I swerved to miss a deer in the road, wrecked my car, and now my insurance company is saying that I'm considered at fault. Why is that?

The deer probably had a family somewhere and I love animals so I swerved to save the deer and wrecked in the ditch. I wasn't hurt or anything but my company is calling it an accident even though there was a deer in the road. How is this my fault?

Apr 10, 2016 Newton, KS

Answer
Author profile picture

The Zebra

The nation's leading independent insurance comparison site

The Zebra is an independent insurance advisor and quote comparison site with headquarters in Austin, Texas. Utilizing its real-time quote comparison …

Hitting an animal in the road falls under the category of a comprehensive insurance claim because animals do not follow road laws and can't be expected to avoid cars or roadways. It's the same general principle as hail damage. The incident changes to an at fault accident when you swerve to avoid the animal because the maneuver you chose to make caused the accident. Generally speaking, the resulting damage from hitting a deer is far less than the potential damage of driving off the roadway at a high rate of speed and having an accident.
Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Removing a claim from my insurance record

I would recommend getting what's called a CLUE Report. This is a comprehensive loss report. It would show your entire loss history with your name. Show this to your insurance company to prove you did not have an accident. This should remove the claim you are being rated for. Best of luck.
Apr 7, 2018 Salem, Oregon

Do I need a police report to file an uninsured motorist claim?

For uninsured motorist claims, it's likely that your insurer would want a police report of the incident. What I don't know is if it would be possible to still get a police report and redo the claim. If they make you pay the higher deductible at the end of this, make sure they mark the cla…
May 26, 2020 Memphis, TN

How does my insurance company handle a claim if I hit a car that was already damaged?

After any sort of collision, it's always recommended that you take pictures at the scene. Pictures should be taken of both vehicles, the location of the crash, and the other driver's info and license plate. When your insurance company investigates the crash and assesses the damage on the …
Jul 6, 2017 Upper Marlboro, MD

What happens if my parked car was hit by a FedEx truck?

I'm sorry you had this happen, I can imagine how frustrating the situation is! The short answer for what happens next is that it depends. Usually, the moving vehicle is found at fault for damage to a stationary vehicle, as you're required to be in control of your vehicle at all times. How…
Jun 23, 2018 Austin, TX